Debut of the Disney Dream – Yes, “dreams do come true…”
January 26, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruise Lines, Latest News
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream, christened last week by actress Jennifer Hudson and their first new ship in over ten years, once again brings the Walt Disney Company’s magical presence to sea onboard with whimsical touches.
Forgoing the boxy image some of the newest ships now have, Disney Dream keeps the ocean liner design and continues to focus on families in new ways, yet balances out experiences for everyone. At 40% larger than Disney Cruise Line’s first two ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, there is more room for “imagineering” (Disney’s special term) onboard Disney Dream. Take for instance, AquaDuck, the first new water coaster at sea. Both adults and children can ride on inflatable rafts through a clear acrylic tube (765 feet long) that stretches out between the ship’s two stacks, and juts out 12 feet over the ocean for one part of the ride. (Riders, by the way, have to be at least 48 inches tall.)
Inside staterooms have virtual portholes, with screens offering live video feeds from outside the ship.
In an age where interior, inside staterooms have become almost a thing of the past, Disney Dream presents a new slant. Their inside staterooms have virtual portholes, with screens placed above the stateroom beds, offering live video feeds from cameras outside the ship. Guests in these staterooms have an outside view, and these “virtual portholes” have another “Disney touch” – an animated pirate ship or starfish might suddenly appear. Makes it worth rethinking an interior stateroom versus an oceanview stateroom, doesn’t it?
Dining onboard Disney Magic includes their three rotation restaurants, each with a different theme and décor. Animator’s Palate, for instance, is a restaurant that will definitely please children. Starting out as more of an animator’s studio, complete with paint brushes and drawing boards, it converts into the undersea world from “Finding Nemo.” Crush, the turtle, and character from “Finding Nemo” provides an interactive experience for guests. A new adult dining experience is Remy, a gourmet French restaurant, offering a six course tasting menu complete with wine pairings. (There is a $75 surcharge per person, but keep in mind that the cuisine was designed by two very well know chefs – Chef Scott Hunnel, who oversees the Five Diamond Victoria & Albert at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, and a two-star Michelin chef, Chef Arnaud Lallement, whose restaurant, L’Assiette Champenoise is located in Reims, France.)
Continuing their success at making sure there are enough options for every cruise guest, Disney Dream continues to have the most extensive, largest and sophisticated kids and teen clubs, while adults can enjoy The District, their adult entertainment area complete with nightclubs and bars.
Entertainment Options
Disney Dream continues with their three different production shows, offering three different performances each night. Also in their Buena Vista Theatre, complete with 3-D glasses and a high tech sound system, guests can enjoy first run animated films as well as other features the same day they are released on land.
And at the end of each day onboard Disney Dream, it goes without saying that “dreams do come true.”
Oceania Cruises
January 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruise Lines
Miami-based Oceania Cruises emphasizes a destination-intensive, floating-hotel experience with top-notch food and superior service. Their five star menus are designed by renowned master chef Michel Roux.
The cruise line originally began when they chartered vessels from the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises (its 684-passenger R1 and R2, renaming them Regatta and Insignia). Its third ship — another Renaissance R-class vessel — joined the fleet in 2005 and is named Nautica.
In an expansion move, Oceania Cruises decided to increase their fleet by adding two new-builds to their fleet. Their new flagship, the Marina which debuted in January 2011 can accommodate 1,250 guests and provides even more culinary choices for guests, with 10 different dining venues, six which are open seating gourmet restaurants, all at no additional surcharges. The Riviera, which is a sister ship to the Marina, will debut in April 2012.
Overall, Oceania Cruises appeals to cruisers who want destination-oriented experiences with world class cuisine and top personalized service. They managed to create a premium experience — particularly in the areas of cuisine and service — at a mid-market price point. Ultimately, the company offers one of the industry’s best value-for-money options in cruising.
Click here to request a quote from Oceania Cruises.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
January 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruise Lines
Founded in 1976 as the first river cruise company to focus on the North American traveler, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has continued to expand its fleet as well as itineraries. In 2004 it was acquired by The Travel Corporation, an extremely successful and diversified travel company. This has provided the strong financial backing for Uniworld to be able to make new investments in river ships, upgrades and enhancements. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection operates over 500 departures annually sailing on 11 different rivers in 19 different countries. They have a fleet of 9 company owned and operated ships in Europe, as well as charter partnerships in China, Portugal, and Egypt.
Its cruises range in length from a week to a month and are designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and guests. Uniworld’s fleet provides their guests with a more boutique hotel styled experience, with five-star inclusions and luxuriously appointed river ships, that have an average capacity of just 134 guests.
The focus of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s itineraries is Europe and these company-owned ships, which cruise the Rhine, Main, Danube and in the South of France, provide an attentive, English-speaking crew, with a ratio of one crew member for every three guests.
The same professional service, and knowledgeable cruise directors can be found on Uniworld cruises throughout Egypt, China, Russia and the Ukraine. The company includes shore experiences that enhance the experience, such as the opportunity to marvel at the masterpieces of French Impressionists, attending an exclusive ballet performance in Russia, or seeing the renowned Shanghai acrobats in China. Many shore excursions are included in the cost of the vacation, and longer port stays allow for even more optional excursions-or take the time to explore cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages.
Click here to request a quote from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
Avalon Waterways
January 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruise Lines
Award winning Avalon Waterways sets the standard in river and small-ship cruising with the youngest fleet and amazing itineraries throughout Europe.
With the industry’s largest staterooms, resort style amenities, fine dining including complementary wine, beer or soda with dinner and complimentary soft drinks at lunch, the best shore excursions and incomparable service by English-speaking crews, Avalon delivers a world-class cruise experience.
Each year award-winning vessels are added, and in 2011 Avalon will add the industry’s first “Suite Ship,” the Avalon Panorama. This sleek, contemporary vessel features 64 Panorama Suites showcasing a full 200-square feet of living space and comes complete with a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window that can transform the entire suite into the category’s first Open-Air Balcony.
Although one of the youngest river cruise lines in the world, Avalon is quickly becoming one of the most renowned brands in its category boasting a 98% traveler satisfaction rating as well as the recipient of multiple industry accolades and awards.
Click here to request a quote from Avalon Waterways
Star Clippers
January 4, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruise Lines
Unique in that they offer sailing ships, Star Clippers like to pride themselves on offering more yacht-like experiences on the 3 tall ships that comprise their fleet – the Star Clipper, the Star Flyer, and the Royal Clipper. Theirs is the the only fleet of modern clipper sailing
ships powered by real sails yet providing all the modern comforts and conveniences.
Offering an informal, yet elegant approach to sailing, Star Clipper Cruises refers to their approach as “Mega Yacht Sailing Experience.” They take their guests to a variety of destinations ranging from the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
Click here to request a quote from Star Clippers
